Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding sports-related dental injuries among parents in India: a cross-sectional study

Purpose: Despite the high incidence of dental trauma and its potentially devastating physical and psychological consequences in children, limited information is available on sports-related dental injuries and their prevention and management. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding dental injuries among parents of children engaged in sports activities, as well as to evaluate parents' knowledge of first aid management and preventive strategies for sports-related dental injuries. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 parents of children aged 8 to 15 years who participated in various sports activities in Bangalore, India. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, sports participation, knowledge of dental injuries, attitudes toward prevention, and awareness of first aid measures among parents of children who participated in school-organized sports. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Among 100 children, 50 had experienced at least one orofacial injury during sports participation. Facial bruising (49%), facial lacerations (lip/tongue/cheek, 44%), and tooth fracture (16%) were the most commonly reported injuries. Only 15 parents knew that an avulsed tooth could be replanted, while 56 were unaware of the appropriate replantation time. Although 31 were aware of the protective role of mouthguards, only 2% reported their use. The most common reason for nonuse was the perception that mouthguards were not important (61 of 98, 62.2%). No significant association was found between parental occupation and knowledge or awareness of sports-related dental injuries (P>0.05). Conclusions: Education on the prevention of orofacial injuries must be provided to parents and children engaged in sports. The use of protective gear during sports activities should be strongly encouraged during both practice sessions and competitive events.